Luxury: 2013 Cadillac XTS

2013 Cadillac XTS

PHOTO: Handout, GM

By David Booth, National Post

Originally published: October 30, 2012

SMALL

MEDIUM

LARGE

I’m not sure who the latest Cadillac XTS is supposed to be serving.

For instance, it looks rather large, like the DTS it ostensibly is supposed to replace, yet it looks stylishly modern. It’s a front-driver – again, like the DTS – but Cadillac touts its handling abilities. Is it a DTS replacement or does General Motors have even greater ambitions for its quintessential land yacht, i.e., a continuation of Cadillac’s march upscale to direct competition with the Germans?

As it turns out, the new XTS has to perform both functions. From behind the wheel, the XTS is a little bipolar. The suspension, for instance, is marvellously well calibrated, in Driving mode compliant without being boaty and, flipped into Manual mode – which also activates the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters – it’s positively sporty. Credit goes to the magneto-rheological fluid suspension system, which, in the XTS, may be tuned for more comfort but still minimize body sway.

More impressive is that the topline XTS Platinum was equipped with Cadillac’s new Haldex all-wheel-drive system. Combined with a new electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, the XTS should plow through Canadian winters.

The XTS’s powertrain, however, doesn’t quite match the get up and go of the chassis. Oh, the six-speed automatic would otherwise be satisfactory – shifts are smooth and quick – if the motor had just a little more jam. The 3.6-litre V6’s 304 horsepower is adequate and its direct injection is state of the art, but there’s precious little torque at low speeds and it struggles against 1.8 tonnes of automobile at low revs.

Cadillac needs no excuses for the XTS’s interior, however, which combines the relentless hedonism of its classic boudoirs with a thoroughly modern feel. The leather one expects. Ditto the wood. That the new CUE (Cadillac User Experience) system is so good is unexpected. Cadillac’s engineers are obviously fans of Apple and the touch screen system’s iconography is easily deciphered. There are still too many features, but the basic necessities – audio, navigation and climate control – are all easily accessed by the excellent voice control system.

I think Cadillac has succeeded in broadening the XTS’s intended audience. There’s little, save computer complication, that won’t serve the DTS’s loyal customer base. And there are enough modern superlatives to tempt many away from their Acuras and Lexuses, though conquering Mercedes and Audis may be a stretch.